The Estonian Government on Thursday set an immigration quota for non-EU nationals wanting to reside in Estonia.

According to the decision, up to 1,322 people who are not citizens of the European Union will be allowed to apply for a temporary residence permit. The number represents 0.1% of the Estonian population.

Compared to previous years, there has been an increase: in 2014 and 2013, respectively 996 and 1,000 non-EU citizens were allowed to settle in Estonia. The Government said that the quota was raised due to an increased appeal of Estonia as a place to work and live.

According to the current law, the immigration quota of Estonia shall not exceed 0,1% of Estonian permanent population in one year. The quota does not apply to the citizens of the United States and Japan, and for those who want to come to Estonia for the purpose of making a research or study.

Following the local elections in October this year, Reform Party founder, former prime minister, EU commissioner, and presidential candidate Siim Kallas took on the job of municipal mayor of Viimsi, a community on the outskirts of Tallinn. In his interview with ERR's Toomas Sildam, Kallas talks about local government, his party, the EU presidency, and perspectives in Estonian politics.